About the Founders of ASUS

The Atlanta Step-Up Society, Inc. (ASUS), a 501 (c) (3) non profit corporation, grew from Robert Barber's experiences as a formerly homeless recovering substance abuser, his desire to share his experience in conquering addiction with others, and the constant support and assistance of his wife Martha Delanie Barber

Robert G. Barber - Robert enlisted in the US Army at the age of 18, where he remained for 12 years, attained the rank of captain and earned a B.S. Degree in business Administration from the University of Maryland through the Army's OCS program. During the period 1985 - 1990, Robert was homeless and socially disabled in Washington D.C.. Through the 12 step program and Martha's support, he has rebuilt his life. He relocated to Atlanta and worked first in construction with his brother Terry, then managed a Goodwill store and finally, beginning in 1995, started the organization that became ASUS. Over a period of eight years, Robert and Martha built the ASUS thrift store from the start-up to total annual revenues of about $500k, and developing four transitional homes for men in recovery. Robert has eight years experience in delivering 12-step recovery programs and 10 years experience in providing individual and group counseling to people in recovery. He better prepared himself for this task by first attending Morehouse School of Medicine's CORK Institute, a two-week intensive substance abuse counselor training program, he then completed a six months internship in substance abuse counseling at the highly recognized Jefferson Place Transitional House in Atlanta, He has also served as a drug and alcohol counselor for St. Jude's Recovery Center.

Martha Delanie Barber - Martha and Robert Barber were married in 1996. Martha, who has more than 20 years experience in management of retail stores, committed herself to supporting Robert in his recovery and became his partner in building the organization that became the Atlanta Step-Up Society. In the early years, Martha and Robert worked long hours hand-in-hand, doing whatever was necessary to build the thrift store operation. Martha played a key role in the development in the three redisential homes currently operated by ASUS, and in teaching classes in areas such as dressing for success, nutrition, and Coping With Society Clean and Sober, as well as personal financial management and similar areas. Martha currently serves as ASUS's Director of Administration, managing human resources and providing oversight for the thrift store and the residential houses, as well as the thrift store's telephone solicitation operations. Martha has diligently sought to learn about addiction and the 12 step recovery process, completing college courses in counseling and addiction treatment. She is currently enrolled at Georgia Military College pursing a degree in Sociology to further her ability to help others.

In 1999, Robert and Martha received the Turner Broadcasting System's Super 17 Volunteerism and Commitment Award in the category of poverty issues and were features on the nationally televised awards program. Robert has also been chosen as one of America's Who's Who.